The Disciplinary Committee of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has taken decisive action against two professional darts players, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner, for serious match-fixing violations. These players were found guilty of breaching the DRA’s rules and handed lengthy suspensions alongside financial penalties. This scandal underscores the DRA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of professional darts. 

Disciplinary Committee Suspends Two Darts Players for Match-Fixing Violations

The IBIA Uncovers Suspicious Betting Patterns

The first signs of misconduct emerged when the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) flagged suspicious betting patterns related to specific matches in the Modus Super Series, which took place in September 2023. The games under scrutiny involved Leighton Bennett and were as follows:

• Leighton Bennett vs. Mindaugas Barauskas – September 6, 2023
• Leighton Bennett vs. Benjamin Drue-Reus – September 6, 2023
• Leighton Bennett vs. Ryan Harrington – September 8, 2023
• Leighton Bennett vs. Mindaugas Barauskas – September 8, 2023

On September 8, 2023, the IBIA reported these irregularities, triggering an immediate investigation by the DRA in collaboration with the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU).

The Investigation Process and Findings

The investigation delved deep into the allegations, uncovering substantial evidence of match-fixing and associated rule violations. It was determined that both Bennett and Warriner had acted in ways that undermined the integrity of the sport. Notably, the DRA stated that no other individuals were implicated in these violations.

Key findings included:

1. Match-Fixing and Insider Information
   • Bennett was found guilty of fixing matches and providing inside information to facilitate betting advantages.
   • Warriner admitted to orchestrating betting schemes and sharing insider details.
2. Unregistered Agents and Non-Compliance
   • Bennett had entered into a contract with an unregistered agent.
   • Both players were uncooperative during the investigation, violating DRA protocols.
3. Other Violations
   • Warriner faced additional accusations of operating as an unregistered darts bookmaker and being abusive towards an official.

These findings highlighted the severity of their actions, leading to strict penalties.

Disciplinary Actions: Suspensions and Fines

Leighton Bennett’s Penalty

Bennett faced a total of 10 charges related to the four matches. These charges included providing insider information, collaborating with unregistered agents, and refusing to cooperate with the investigation. As a result:

• Suspension: Bennett received an 8-year suspension, barring him from participating in any DRA-sanctioned events until 2032.
• Financial Penalty: He was fined £8,100.23 for his violations.

Billy Warriner’s Penalty

Warriner admitted to 19 of 21 charges, demonstrating an even deeper involvement in the misconduct. His offenses included organizing betting activities, sharing insider information, and violating codes of conduct. He was also charged with unrelated abusive behavior towards a darts official. As a result:

• Suspension: Warriner was handed a 10-year suspension, effectively ending his career in professional darts until 2034.
• Financial Penalty: He was fined £8,100.23, matching Bennett’s penalty.

The Appeal Process and Deadline

Both players retain the right to appeal the DRA’s decisions. Appeals must be submitted to the Disciplinary Committee by December 14, 2024. Should they fail to do so, the rulings will be considered final, and their suspensions and fines will be enforced without further deliberation.

The Broader Implications of Match-Fixing

The actions taken by the DRA send a powerful message to the darts community and beyond. Match-fixing not only tarnishes the reputation of professional sports but also undermines the trust of fans, sponsors, and stakeholders. The swift and decisive response from the DRA demonstrates its zero-tolerance policy toward corruption.

This case also highlights the importance of collaboration between organizations like the IBIA, the DRA, and the UK Gambling Commission. Such partnerships are essential for identifying and addressing unethical practices in sports betting and competition.

Conclusion: Upholding the Integrity of Darts

The suspensions of Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner serve as a stark warning to athletes considering similar misconduct. The DRA remains steadfast in its mission to protect the integrity of darts and ensure a fair playing field for all competitors.

FAQs About DRA Suspends Two Players for Match-Fixing Violations

1. What is the DRA, and what role does it play in darts?

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) is the governing body responsible for upholding rules, integrity, and discipline in professional darts. It ensures fair play by investigating breaches of conduct and enforcing penalties when necessary.

2. Who are the players involved in the match-fixing case?

The two players involved are Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner, both of whom were found guilty of serious rule violations, including match-fixing and providing insider information.

3. Which matches were under investigation for suspicious betting patterns?

The investigation focused on the following matches from the Modus Super Series in September 2023:

• Leighton Bennett vs. Mindaugas Barauskas – September 6 and 8, 2023
• Leighton Bennett vs. Benjamin Drue-Reus – September 6, 2023
• Leighton Bennett vs. Ryan Harrington – September 8, 2023

4. What triggered the investigation?

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) flagged suspicious betting patterns during the above matches, prompting an investigation by the DRA and the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU).

5. What were the main charges against Leighton Bennett?

Leighton Bennett faced 10 charges, including:

• Match-fixing in four games.
• Providing insider information for betting purposes.
• Signing a contract with an unregistered agent.
• Failing to cooperate with the investigation.

6. What were the main charges against Billy Warriner?

Billy Warriner admitted to 19 of 21 charges, including:

• Organizing betting activities.
• Sharing insider information.
• Acting as an unregistered darts bookmaker.
• Being abusive towards a darts official in an unrelated incident.

7. What penalties were imposed on the players?

• Leighton Bennett: Suspended for 8 years and fined £8,100.23.
• Billy Warriner: Suspended for 10 years and fined £8,100.23.

8. Were other individuals implicated in the case?

No, the DRA stated that no other individuals were involved in the match-fixing violations.

9. Can the players appeal the decision?

Yes, both players have the right to appeal. Appeals must be submitted to the DRA’s Disciplinary Committee by December 14, 2024.

10. What is the significance of this case for the sport of darts?

This case highlights the DRA’s commitment to protecting the integrity of professional darts. The swift and severe penalties send a clear message that unethical behavior, such as match-fixing, will not be tolerated.

11. What organizations were involved in the investigation?

The investigation was conducted by the DRA, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), and the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU).

12. How does match-fixing impact professional sports?

Match-fixing undermines the integrity of sports, erodes public trust, and damages the reputation of athletes, organizations, and sponsors. Robust measures, like those taken by the DRA, are essential to preserving fairness and credibility.